Since my last post about writing, I’ve been trying to incorporate writing into my day-to-day life. I think I’m making some progress, and that makes me feel so happy. As I said in the last article, writing is something I want to practice, improve and enjoy. I want to make it more of a priority! And I think I’m being successful so far, so I wanted to share some of the things that have been helping me with my goals.
Inspiration
I’ve been really drawing inspiration from the world of writing over the past week! I’ve written out about a dozen cards, filled with great quotes about writing. There are some great resources for quotes here and here. The cards are scattered around my workspace, and my eyes tend to fall on them while I’m spacing out from work. Great system so far!
I’ve read some great articles about the art of writing! My favourite is a piece from The Guardian about various writers’ top 10 rules for writing. There are some contradictions, definitely, but it’s so interesting.
I watched Finding Forrester a few days ago, and definitely got some inspiration! It was wonderful to take a look inside (albeit a fictional) writer’s life, see how they work and what they suggest. His line: “write your first draft with your heart, re-write with your head” is a great one that will stick with me for some time. I hope to watch some other films about writers, like those listed here.
Motivation
One of the techniques I’ve been trying over the last couple of days is simply brainstorming. I find it so incredibly daunting to think about writing anything major (ex. a novel or a play) and hit that wall again and again. I freak out if I can’t think of a character, a scene, or any sort of plot point for my book. I tend to think that every book I read (painstakingly written and thought about for years and years) was simple for the author to write, and that if I don’t find writing simple, I shouldn’t write! This is utter nonsense, obviously. Careful thought and practice must be put in. So I’ve been brainstorming. Simply putting down on paper, into words, experiences I’ve had and observations I’ve made during the day. Themes I’m thinking about. People that seem interesting. I’ve just been turning off the editor in my mind and attempting to take the pressure off. This has helped a lot! I feel as though I’m taking small steps.
I got a great tip from Rachel on my last article about the site 750 Words. The gist of it is, it helps you clear out all the gunk in your head so that you approach the day in a better state of mind. I’ve been doing it all week, and I am really enjoying it! I don’t know if it’s been helping my writing at all, but it lets me practice my typing and get inside my head a bit more – which is a good thing! (I think).
I also have decided to tackle a project: NaNoWriMo! Yes. Yes yes yes. That should be just the motivation I need, right!? It’s a doable goal: 50,000 words in 30 days. Of course, they should cohesively fit into a story line, but they don’t have to be good. They just have to be done. This is a huge source of motivation, because it allows me to work towards something. I’ve set a few deadlines for the month of October: Week 1 – Brainstorming; Week 2 – Rough sketch of ideas; Week 3 – Firmer sketch/outline; Week 4 – Complete outline! It seems daunting, but at the same time it’s so exciting!! :)
BY THE WAY I’D LOVE TO BE YOUR NANOWRIMO BUDDY! If anyone is participating this year, let’s team up. I need help, I’ll be the first to admit it. If I’m not morally bound to this, I just won’t start writing. It’ll be another goal that fades away. So please, please, add me as a buddy right here. That will definitely be motivation for all of us!
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How is your writing going? Are you doing NaNo? You should do it! Let’s all help each other! Woohoo! Let me know your inspiration for writing, as well as any tips on motivation!
Too busy writing,
